Service Manager Post 16 and Adult Learning

Shape the Future of Education in Knowsley
Lead Improvement. Drive Inclusion. Create Opportunity.
Education is at the heart of Knowsley’s vision for children, young people, families and communities. We are investing in our Education Service and are looking for passionate, ambitious leaders to join us in shaping the future of education across the borough.
This is a unique opportunity to lead services that support lifelong learning and progression. Responsible for Family, Adult and Community Education, the Knowsley Advice and Guidance Service and the promotion of post-16 opportunities, you will work with partners to help young people and adults access education, employment and training. You will play a central role in delivering the Learning and Skills Strategy, developing opportunities for local residents and ensuring services respond effectively to community needs.

About You

We are looking for motivated and experienced professionals who:

• Are passionate about improving outcomes for children, young people and communities.
• Have strong leadership, management and relationship-building skills.
• Can work effectively with schools, education providers and a wide range of partners.
• Have experience of managing change, driving improvement and delivering results.
• Understand the opportunities and challenges facing education, inclusion and learning services.
• Can influence, inspire and bring people together around a shared vision.
• Are committed to innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Why Knowsley?

Knowsley is a borough with ambition. We are committed to ensuring every child, young person and resident has access to high-quality education and learning opportunities that enable them to achieve their potential. Our Education Service works closely with schools, colleges, post 16 providers, families, communities and partners to make a lasting difference.
In return, you will join a supportive and forward-thinking organisation that values integrity, accountability, communication and respect, where your contribution will help shape services that impact lives every day.

Join Us

If you are looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful difference and be part of a service with a clear vision for education, inclusion and lifelong learning, we would love to hear from you.

Be part of Knowsley's journey to deliver excellence in education and opportunity for all.

For full details of the role, please visit:

www.knowsley.gov.uk/senior-officer-recruitment

At Knowsley Council we will consider requests for flexible working.  For most roles, the following types of flexibility are usually possible: flexible hours, working from home, compressed hours, part-time. There is a requirement for you to attend your work base at least 3 day’s per week.

We welcome applications from residents and beyond, regardless of background, belief, or identity, recognising the value that diversity brings to our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and candidates with disabilities as we acknowledge their underrepresentation in our workforce.

Please note sponsorship is not available for this role.

See the benefits of working for Knowsley MBC https://www.knowsley.gov.uk/yes.

Curious about how much a pension with Knowsley Council could be worth? Take a look at this public sector pension calculator to find out

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applicants.

At Knowsley we value our applicants and want them to feel well-informed and welcomed. If you have any questions about this specific job role or what it is like to work at Knowsley, please contact: Karen Austin Smith at Karen.Austin-Smith@knowsley.gov.uk or Tel: 0151 443 2256

Interviews are to be held on 17 December 2026

If you are interested in this vacancy, please upload your CV along with a supporting statement as one document in PDF or Word format. Your CV and supporting statement should be tailored to reflect the competencies within the person specification.

Please note if a CV and supporting statement does not reflect the person specification it is unlikely to be shortlisted.